Probe body formed to investigate Sajek fire

The Rangamati District Administration today formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the cause of the fire that gutted at least 98 establishments, including resorts, cottages, restaurants, and shops, in Sajek Valley.

The committee, led by the district's Local Government Division Deputy Director Md Mobarak Hossain, has been instructed to submit its report within seven working days.

Additionally, the administration reversed its earlier decision to discourage tourists from visiting the fire-ravaged valley.

These decisions were made during a meeting of the district administration, where the overall situation in the valley was also discussed.

According to a circular signed by Pathan Md Saiduzzaman, additional deputy commissioner of Rangamati, the meeting decided to keep the valley open to visitors.

To support the affected families, the district administration has allocated over Tk 15 lakh and more than one tonne of rice.

Photo: Star

Sources from the district administration stated that each affected family will receive a Tk 7,500 cash grant and 30 kilograms of rice, while owners of affected businesses will receive Tk 20,000 in cash assistance.

The aid will be distributed tomorrow (February 26.

A devastating fire broke out in Sajek Valley, a popular tourist destination in Rangamati's Baghaichhari upazila, on Monday. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing at least 98 establishments, including 36 cottages, 35 houses, seven restaurants, and 20 stationary shops, according to preliminary estimates by the district administration.

Photo: Star

Speaking to The Daily Star, Sajek Cottage and Resort Owners Association's Organising Secretary Rahul Chakma John estimated that the total losses could be roughly around Tk 100 crore.

[A correspondent from Rangamati also contributed to the report]